8 Tips For A More Energy Efficient Home

Taking just a handful of simple measures like switching to a lower washing machine setting or turning down your heater can have a significant impact on your annual bills and the sooner you make the changes, the greater the savings you will enjoy. Landlords have to have a gas safety certificate by law ensure safety and efficiency. 

Here are the top ways to bring down your bills while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint:

1. Loft Insulation

One of the greatest causes of energy wastage is poorly insulated walls and roofs. However, with decent loft insulation, it is possible to save between $160 and $300 annually, depending on the type of property you have along with where you live.

2. Boiler Upgrade

Did you know that an inefficient boiler can add a few hundred pounds to your energy bills every year? It means that if you upgrade yours, you can drastically reduce what you pay in the long run.

It is also an excellent way to reduce your home’s carbon emissions significantly since boilers account for 60 percent of carbon dioxide emissions in gas heated homes.

Boilers are typically rated on a scale that runs from A to G where A represents the most energy efficient devices. If your boiler is rated at or closer to G, investing in a new one could save you a fortune in the long run. If you want to learn more then see this piece - www.glasgowgasengineer.co.uk.

3. Door Insulation and Thick Curtains

The simplest solutions are at times the best. Hanging thicker curtains over your windows prevents heats from escaping and makes your home snugger, especially when the nights are longer. You should also consider buying inexpensive stick-on insulation to run down the sides of drafty doors since it will all add up to lower bills and a warmer home.

4. Energy Consumption Monitoring

Do you know how much energy you actually waste? Investing in an energy monitor can help you in finding out. They cost between £30 and £50, but some are actually offered by some electricity and gas companies to customers for free.

Put the energy monitor in a location where the entire family can see it, such as the kitchen. Some of the gadgets work out hoe much the energy you use is costing, so that is a very good reminder for cutting back.

5. Switching to a Cheaper Tariff

Finding the cheapest energy deal for you is perhaps one of the easiest ways to save on your energy bills. After all, the savings could be invested towards ensuring that your home is more energy efficient. 

Some energy monitors even allow you to sign up for alerts and you decide how much you wish to save on energy bills. You will then receive an alert informing you about the most appropriate time to switch tariffs.

6. Switching to a Water-Saving Showerhead

A shower is usually the greener option since baths can waste a lot of water, but you need to first determine how green your daily wash is. 

For instance, if you spend 20 minutes soaping yourself under lots of scalding water, you are probably consuming far more energy than you might think. Some power showers actually use more water in 5 minutes than an entire bath.

If you fit a water saving showerhead, you will cut back on the amount of energy and water you use.

7. Fit Double Glazing

If you currently don’t have double glazing fitted, you will be probably surprised by the difference it makes to your annual energy bills. The initial investment might be fairly high, but double-glazed windows trap more heat within your home, which means that they will save you money in the end.

Double glazing comes in a wide range of styles, which means that it doesn’t need to ruin your home’s look. When choosing your windows, remember to look out for the ‘Energy Saving Trust’ recommended logo since this seal of approval is only given to energy efficient windows.

8. Buy an Eco-Kettle

Are you the kind of person that boils an entire kettleful of water each time you want to prepare just one cup of your favorite beverage? Kettles are highly wasteful, but it is possible to save on energy by only heating what you need and investing in an alternative that’s environmentally friendly. Some eco-kettles use as much as 30 percent less power.

In fact, it isn’t just eco-kettles that can help you save. Choosing appliances such as fridges and TVs based on how energy efficient they are can make a huge difference.